tidelanders HISTORY
Founding
Our chorus was formed at a meeting in the Sam Houston Room of the Rice Hotel in October 1946. The Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing (SPEBSQS) held a meeting with more than 150 men in attendance.
1946 - 1959
A committee of four Men shared the responsibilities for directing the chorus in the mid to late 1950's: Bliss Mapes, T.C. Blackstone, Walter Jenkins, and Edward Acton. V.L. Hooper began directing the chorus in the late 1950's and took the Tidelanders to our first contest performances.
1960 - 1979
The Tidelanders started turning out better score in competitions and were able to score 2nd at the International content in St. Louis. The INNSIDERS were an active Quartet and frequently performed at contests during this period of time. In 1976, the INNSIDERS won a Quartet Gold medal.
1980 - 1999
In 1993, we hired Betty Tracy to Direct the chorus when Society rules did not permit women to serve in that role. Several Tidelanders helped influence a change in the rules to allow female Directors Musical Directors. She subsequently led the Tidelanders to win the District Championship in Tulsa in 1994.
2000 - 2009
There were many Musical Directors during this period of time and the Tidelanders had as many as 80 men on the risers. The Tidelanders recorded several CDs and introduced Singing Valentines, Good Times Shows, and Christmas Shows.